Discord has become a popular platform for gamers and communities seeking to connect via voice and video calls. However, there can be times when you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to join a call on your phone. Whether it’s during an important team meeting, a gaming session, or just a casual chat with friends, not being able to connect can be incredibly frustrating. This in-depth guide will explore common issues that lead to Discord calls not working on phones and provide comprehensive solutions to get you back in action.
Understanding Discord’s Call Features on Mobile
Before delving into troubleshooting steps, it’s crucial to understand the features of Discord’s mobile application. The app provides users with several functionalities that include:
- Voice Calls: Connect with friends and community members over voice.
- Video Calls: Engage in video chats for a more personal touch.
- Screen Sharing: Share your mobile screen during calls for an enhanced experience.
Despite these robust features, various factors can contribute to calls not functioning as intended on your mobile device.
Common Reasons Why Discord Calls Fail on Mobile
Understanding the root cause is the first step in resolving any issue. Here are some common reasons why Discord calls might fail on your mobile:
1. Poor Internet Connection
A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for voice and video calls. If your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection is weak or unstable, it can lead to dropped calls or connection failures.
2. Outdated App Version
Using an outdated version of the Discord app can lead to compatibility issues, which might prevent calls from functioning properly.
3. Permission Issues
Discord requires certain permissions, such as microphone and camera access, to function effectively. If these permissions are not granted, call features may be affected.
4. Background Apps and Processes
Multiple applications running in the background can consume resources, affecting Discord’s performance. An overloaded device may struggle to maintain calls.
Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Discord Call Issues on Mobile
Now that you understand the potential causes of call failures on Discord, it’s time to explore troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problems.
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
You need to ensure you have a strong internet connection. Here’s how to do it:
Wi-Fi Troubleshooting
- Check if other devices connected to your Wi-Fi are also experiencing connectivity issues.
- Restart your router by unplugging it for a few seconds and plugging it back in.
- Try moving closer to the router for a better signal.
Mobile Data Troubleshooting
- Switch on and off your mobile data to refresh the network connection.
- Test your internet speed using a speed test application to ensure your connection is adequate.
- Ensure your device has sufficient mobile data allowance.
Step 2: Update the Discord App
Running an outdated application can lead to incompatibility and bugs. Here’s how to update your Discord app:
- Go to the Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS).
- Search for “Discord” in the search bar.
- If an update is available, tap “Update.”
Step 3: Grant Necessary Permissions
Discord requires specific permissions to function smoothly. To check and grant permissions on your phone:
For Android Users:
- Go to
Settings
>Apps
>Discord
. - Select
Permissions
. - Ensure that the microphone and camera permissions are enabled.
For iOS Users:
- Go to
Settings
. - Scroll down and tap on
Discord
. - Make sure that the microphone and camera settings are turned on.
Step 4: Restart Your Phone
Sometimes, simply restarting your phone can resolve performance issues. This helps to reset system processes and free up memory that may be causing interference.
Step 5: Close Background Apps
Too many apps running simultaneously can strain your device. Make sure to close any unneeded apps:
- For Android, use the
Recent Apps
button and swipe away the applications you want to close. - For iOS, double-click the home button (or swipe up from the bottom on newer models) and swipe up to close unwanted apps.
Advanced Solutions for Persistent Issues
If you’ve tried the above steps and still find yourself unable to make Discord calls, consider these advanced solutions that can help stabilize your connection.
1. Reinstalling the Discord App
If permissions and updates don’t resolve the problem, uninstalling and reinstalling Discord can often fix lingering bugs. Follow these simple steps:
For Android Users:
- Uninstall Discord by going to
Settings
>Apps
>Discord
and selectingUninstall
. - Reinstall the app from the Google Play Store.
For iOS Users:
- Press and hold the Discord app icon until options appear, then select
Remove App
. - Go to the App Store and download Discord again.
2. Adjusting Discord Settings
Sometimes, specific Discord settings can lead to calling issues. You might want to experiment with these settings:
Voice and Video Settings:
- Open the Discord app.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-left corner to open the menu.
- Go to
User Settings
>Voice & Video
. - Under the
Input Device
andOutput Device
, ensure the correct devices are selected. Adjust the voice settings as needed.
When to Contact Support
If all else fails, it may be time to contact Discord support. They have a dedicated team that can help troubleshoot any unresolved issues. You can reach out via their support page or community forums.
Conclusion
Experiencing problems with Discord calls on your mobile can disrupt your communication and engagement efforts. However, with the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to identify and resolve most issues effectively. Remember, maintaining an excellent internet connection, updating the app, managing permissions, and keeping your device optimized are essential to an efficient Discord calling experience.
Taking the time to troubleshoot when problems arise will ensure that you remain connected with your friends, teammates, and communities without interruption. Happy calling!
What should I do if I can’t hear anyone during a Discord call on my phone?
If you’re unable to hear anyone during a Discord call, first check your phone’s volume settings. Ensure that the media volume is turned up and not muted. Sometimes, notifications can inadvertently lower volume levels, so make sure to adjust them accordingly. Also, confirm that you’re not using any Bluetooth devices that might interfere with audio output.
Next, check your Discord audio settings. Go to User Settings, then Voice & Video, and ensure your output device is correctly selected. Test the audio by using the “Test” feature in the voice settings. If all else fails, consider restarting the app or your phone, as this can resolve temporary glitches that affect audio output.
Why can’t I join a Discord call on my phone?
If you’re having trouble joining a Discord call, it may be a connectivity issue. Make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or have a strong mobile data connection. Weak or unstable connections can prevent you from joining calls or cause delays in audio and video. Restarting your router or toggling your mobile data on and off can help improve connectivity.
Additionally, check for any app permissions that might be preventing Discord from functioning properly. Go to your phone’s settings, find Discord in your app list, and ensure it has the necessary permissions for microphone and camera access. Finally, try logging out and back into your Discord account, as this can refresh your session and potentially resolve login issues.
What can I do if my microphone is not working during a Discord call?
If your microphone isn’t working during a call, begin by checking the muted status in Discord. Sometimes, calls are muted accidentally, so make sure your microphone icon isn’t showing as muted. Also, inspect the physical microphone on your phone, ensuring nothing is obstructing it, such as a case or dirt.
Next, dive into your phone’s settings to confirm that Discord has permission to use your microphone. Navigate to the app permissions, check the microphone settings, and make sure they are enabled. If the issue persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app to clear any corrupted data or settings that may be affecting the microphone’s functionality.
Why is my Discord call lagging or dropping on mobile?
Lagging or dropped calls on Discord can typically be attributed to network issues. Ensure you’re connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal or have a good mobile data connection. Close any other apps running in the background that might be consuming bandwidth, as this can significantly impact voice call quality.
Additionally, check Discord’s server status to see if any ongoing outages might be affecting your call experience. You can do this by visiting Discord’s status page. If everything is in order there, consider using a different network, if possible, or try connecting through a VPN to optimize your connection.
How can I fix audio quality issues during a Discord call?
To fix audio quality issues during a Discord call, start by checking your internet connection. A weaker signal can cause distortion, echoes, or drops in quality, so try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or switching to a different network if possible. Also, ensuring that no large downloads or streaming activities are occurring on your network can help free up bandwidth.
Furthermore, you may want to adjust your Discord audio settings. Navigate to User Settings, and within the Voice & Video section, try changing your audio input/output devices or toggling the “Echo Cancellation” and “Noise Suppression” options. Testing the connection afterwards can provide an immediate indication of whether the adjustments improved your call quality.
Why is my video not working on mobile Discord calls?
If you’re experiencing issues with video not working during Discord calls, ensure that your camera permissions are enabled. Go to your phone’s settings, locate Discord, and verify that camera access is allowed. Sometimes, app permissions can reset or get altered during software updates, leading to functionality issues.
Another potential fix is to check your internet connection. Video calls require more bandwidth than voice calls, so a weak or unstable connection could prevent your camera from functioning properly. If your connection is sound, a quick restart of the app or your phone can also refresh your session and solve video loading problems.
What should I do if my Discord app keeps crashing on my phone?
If your Discord app keeps crashing, the first step is to ensure you have the latest version of the app installed. Go to your app store and check for updates, as developers frequently release updates to fix bugs and improve performance. Updating the app may resolve any crashing issues you’re experiencing.
If the app continues to crash after updating, clear the app’s cache or consider reinstalling it. This could eliminate corrupted cache files that might be causing the crashes. Additionally, check your device’s storage space, as low storage can also lead to app malfunctions. Freeing up some space might be necessary for smoother operation.
How do I report persistent issues with Discord calls on my mobile device?
To report persistent issues with Discord calls on your mobile device, start by visiting Discord’s official support page. You can submit a ticket detailing the specific problems you are experiencing, including any troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried. Providing as much information as possible helps their support team assist you more effectively.
Moreover, you can join the Discord support server to seek advice from community members who might have faced similar issues. Participating in forums can provide alternative solutions. Lastly, check whether the issue is being discussed on Discord’s social media channels, as this might lead to updates or temporary workarounds shared by the community or Discord staff.